Half Day Private Yacht Charter on our Pershing 40 in Saint Tropez

Saint-Tropez is most striking from the water, where the harbor fills with superyachts and the coast opens into quiet coves. This private Pershing 40 charter gives your group four hours to cruise, stop for a swim, and shape the outing around your mood rather than follow a rigid sightseeing boat schedule.

I like the choice of morning or afternoon departure, and I like the practical extras: snorkels, paddleboards, water, soft drinks, and snacks are included. The main drawback is the fuel surcharge, which comes on top of the advertised group price. Weather and communication also matter, so confirm the meeting point before you set out.

Key points to know before booking

• Two swim stops are common: You may anchor at Canoubiers or another calm cove, with time for snorkeling and paddleboarding.
• The boat is a Pershing 40: It is sleek, comfortable, and fitted with a restroom and onboard music.
• You can choose your departure time: Morning and afternoon options make this easier to fit around a Saint-Tropez day.
• The group price favors larger parties: The listed rate is $1,802.19 for up to eight people, before the fuel surcharge.
• Captains vary: Scott, Steve, Eric, Peter, Mark, Glen, Tjeerd, and others have hosted trips, with English available.
• Pickup needs confirmation: Departure may be arranged at Port Grimaud, Sainte-Maxime, Saint-Tropez, or Marines de Cogolin.

Why Saint-Tropez looks better from a Pershing 40

A yacht trip changes your view of Saint-Tropez. On land, you deal with crowded streets, limited parking, and the famous harbor from the quay. On the water, you get the whole curve of the bay, the villas and beaches along the shore, and a close look at the large yachts gathered in the Golfe de Saint-Tropez.

The Pershing 40 is a good match for this setting. It has the polished look expected in Saint-Tropez, but the point is not simply to pose beside an expensive boat. You have space to sit, listen to your own music, snack, and move between cruising and swimming.

This is a private trip, so only your group takes part. That matters if you are traveling with children, friends, or a couple who wants more quiet time. You can ask the captain to spend longer at an anchorage, make more time for swimming, or keep moving along the coast.

The listed capacity presents one detail to check. The description refers to room for ten, while the booking price is for a group of up to eight. Confirm the permitted number for your date, especially if your party is larger than eight.

Boarding from Saint-Tropez or a nearby port

The stated meeting point is Yacht Charter, 4 Impasse des Jardins, 83350 Ramatuelle, France. In practice, the operator may arrange boarding at one of several local ports: Port Grimaud, Sainte-Maxime, Saint-Tropez, or Marines de Cogolin.

That flexibility can help, since Saint-Tropez traffic and parking can be a nuisance in high season. It can also create confusion if you assume the address is your final dock. The operator says the exact meeting location will be confirmed by WhatsApp or email within five days of the charter, so keep an eye on both.

I would save the message, check the port name carefully, and arrive early. Pickup is offered, but the details are not one fixed public meeting procedure for every departure. Clear communication is especially important for a four-hour tour, since waiting at the wrong dock can consume a large part of your time.

English is offered, and the captain names connected with the trips include Scott, Steve, Eric, Peter, Mark, Glen, Tjeerd, and Niamh. The quality of the outing depends partly on the captain, but the strongest feedback repeatedly points to friendly hosting, clear instructions, and a willingness to adjust the route.

Cruising the Golfe de Saint-Tropez

Once clear of the port, the first stretch gives you a useful overview of the bay. You pass the waterfront of Saint-Tropez and see the town in its proper setting, a small coastal settlement backed by hills and framed by water.

The superyachts are part of the show. You may find yourself cruising close to vessels far larger than the Pershing, which gives the trip a distinctly Saint-Tropez feel. It is a fun contrast: your boat is intimate enough for a private outing, while the harbor displays the extravagant side of the Riviera.

This section is best for photos and orientation. If you want a nonstop swim trip, tell the captain early. If you want to see more of the coast first, the bay cruise provides that sightseeing time before the boat settles at anchor.

The route is described as customizable, but a four-hour charter still requires choices. Port transfers, cruising, anchoring, and water activities all compete for time. I would decide in advance if your group cares most about swimming, coastal views, beaches, or simply relaxing aboard.

Canoubiers and the calm-water stop

Plage des Canoubiers is one of the main stops. The bay is also known as Billionaires Bay and is associated with Brigitte Bardot and other well-known residents. The appeal is less about celebrity spotting than the setting: a sheltered-looking stretch of coast where the boat can pause away from the main harbor.

This is usually the point to get into the water. Snorkeling equipment is supplied, and the paddleboard lets you move around the boat without committing to a long swim. Families can split up naturally, with some people in the water and others remaining aboard with drinks and snacks.

The water conditions can change, so the captain has the final say on where and when to stop. That is worth remembering if you book mainly for swimming. The itinerary is weather dependent, and rough seas can lead to a changed date or a full refund rather than a trip under unsafe conditions.

Some outings include two swimming stops, which is a strong use of the half-day format. You are not limited to a quick photo pause. Still, you should ask how much swim time is planned if that is the main reason you are booking.

The Parcs de Saint-Tropez and Salins

The Parcs de Saint-Tropez offers another coastal view and a quieter pace after the harbor. This is where the private format earns its keep. You can sit back, take photos, and let the captain choose a pleasant route instead of being rushed from one fixed attraction to the next.

The planned route may continue toward Salins beach. The beach is described as a quieter coastal stop with clear water and a more natural feel than the central port. You may pass it by boat or anchor nearby, depending on sea conditions and the captain’s judgment.

The supplied itinerary also lists Port Grimaud and the Citadelle de Saint-Tropez, including the Museum of Maritime History, as stops. These should be treated as route highlights rather than guaranteed long shore visits. Four hours is not enough for extended time at every location, especially if you want two swims.

Port Grimaud is known for its canals and waterfront homes, giving it a different character from old Saint-Tropez. If your group wants to see it closely, ask whether the boat will cruise through or simply pass near the port. The citadel is mainly a visual landmark from the water unless your booking specifically includes time ashore.

What comes aboard

The inclusions are simple and useful. You receive bottled water, soft drinks, and snacks, plus snorkeling equipment and a stand-up paddleboard. That means you do not need to hire basic water gear separately.

Past outings have included cheese boards, charcuterie, picnic lunch boxes, and extra snacks, but these should not be assumed as part of the base package. A few groups arranged a drink stop through a beach club, and one captain used a small tender to reach the harbor for champagne. Those are examples of possible flexibility, not guaranteed inclusions.

You can play your own music, which helps the boat feel like your private day rather than a standard excursion. The yacht also has a restroom, an important comfort for four hours at sea.

The supplied equipment makes this more than a sightseeing cruise. You can swim, paddle, snorkel, or simply stay aboard and watch the coast. Bring swimwear, sun protection, and a dry layer for the ride back. The information does not specify towels, so I would not count on them being provided.

How much value does the charter offer?

The price is $1,802.19 per group of up to eight, which works out to about $225 per person if eight people share the cost. For four hours on a private yacht, that can be fair in Saint-Tropez, especially when you value privacy, a captain, water equipment, and the ability to shape the route.

For two people, the arithmetic is much less attractive. You are paying for the boat and crew rather than a seat, so the experience makes the most financial sense for a family or group of friends. The fuel surcharge also needs to be added to your budget.

You should compare this with a shared boat only if you care mainly about price. A shared cruise may cost less, but it will not give you the same control over swim time, music, route, or pace. The private charter is best understood as a group splurge, not a cheap way to get on the water.

The strongest value comes from using the boat actively. If everyone plans to swim, paddleboard, snack, and enjoy the coast, four hours can feel full. If your group only wants a short harbor cruise, you may be paying for more yacht than you need.

The captains and the human side of the trip

The captain can make or break a private boat outing. The strongest experiences have involved captains such as Scott, Steve, Eric, Peter, Mark, Glen, and Tjeerd. Specific praise has centered on calm handling, friendly conversation, clear English, and attention to individual requests.

Captain Eric, for example, was described as helpful with a family group and able to arrange contact with a beach club. Scott has been praised for showing guests the bay, arranging swim stops, and accommodating requests. Mark and Glen have been noted for helping groups find especially clear water and making good use of the water toys.

That does not mean every departure will follow the same script. Different captains may favor different routes, and weather can change the plan. The best approach is to tell your captain what matters most at the start: swimming, sightseeing, music, photography, or a relaxed cruise.

One practical point deserves attention. Two poor experiences involved delayed or failed communication around canceled trips. In one case, the operator said the booking had been placed on the wrong day and a refund was issued. In another, severe thunderstorms led to cancellation, but the message did not reach the group promptly.

The stated policy provides a full refund or a different date when poor weather cancels the charter. To protect your time, check messages before leaving your hotel and confirm that the boat is operating if the forecast looks bad.

Who should book this Saint-Tropez yacht trip?

I would recommend it most for:

• Families who want a private boat and easy swimming time
• Couples willing to pay more for comfort and privacy
• Groups of friends who can share the cost
• Visitors who want Saint-Tropez views without spending the whole day on crowded streets
• People who enjoy water activities but do not need a tightly scheduled excursion

It may not suit you if you are traveling alone, dislike boats, or want a detailed shore tour of the citadel and Port Grimaud. It is also a poor fit if you need a fixed itinerary with no changes for wind, waves, or port conditions.

Most people can participate, and service animals are allowed. The activity is near public transportation, but the exact pickup port can vary. Confirm the access details if anyone in your group has mobility concerns, since no specific yacht accessibility information is provided.

Booking advice and cancellation terms

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes made inside that 24-hour window are not accepted, and late cancellations are not refunded.

The weather rule is sensible for a boat trip. If poor conditions cancel the charter, you are offered another date or a full refund. Since summer storms can arrive quickly on the Riviera, keep some flexibility in your schedule if this is an important part of your Saint-Tropez plans.

The tour is often booked well ahead, with an average booking lead time of about 54 days. That is useful context for peak-season planning. Morning or afternoon departures give you options, but popular dates may still go early.

Should you book it?

Book this charter if you want a private, flexible half-day on the Mediterranean and your group can share the cost. The Pershing 40, the Saint-Tropez bay views, two possible swimming stops, and included paddleboard and snorkel equipment create a strong day on the water.

Before paying, confirm three things: the exact port, the fuel surcharge, and the number of people allowed aboard. I would also state your preferred balance of cruising and swimming when you meet the captain. With those details settled, this is a polished way to see Saint-Tropez from its best side, the water.

FAQ

How long is the private yacht charter?

The charter lasts approximately four hours.

How much does the yacht charter cost?

The listed price is $1,802.19 per group of up to eight people. A fuel surcharge is not included.

How many people can join?

The booking price covers up to eight people. The description also refers to space for ten, so confirm the permitted group size before booking if you have more than eight people.

Where does the charter start?

Possible departure ports include Port Grimaud, Sainte-Maxime, Saint-Tropez, and Marines de Cogolin. The exact meeting location is confirmed by WhatsApp or email.

Is pickup available?

Pickup is offered. The operator provides the exact meeting details within five days of the charter.

What equipment is included?

The charter includes snorkeling equipment and a stand-up paddleboard.

Are drinks and food included?

Bottled water, soda or pop, and snacks are included. Cheese boards, charcuterie, picnic boxes, champagne, or beach-club drinks are not listed as standard inclusions.

Can I choose a morning or afternoon departure?

Yes. You can select a morning or afternoon departure, subject to availability.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If the charter is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the experience are not accepted for a refund.